Chapter 11-70
Hud (Surah Hud)
(123 verses in total; Late Makkan, in sequence to previous Alif Lam Ra group)
This is a lengthy chapter near the end of the Prophet’s stay in Makkah, when the persecution of Muslims was in its most severe form—confinement away from his tribes, rejection by the people of Taif, and the loss of protection from tribes, the Prophet’s wife, and uncle—taking a toll on the Prophet and his followers.
Key themes in this long chapter are as follows:
This revelation, full of wisdom, narratives, encouragements, and the essence of life, is a gift from God, and He alone should be worshipped and served.
The Prophet is encouraged to continue to warn and guide even in the face of terrible difficulties and not to lose hope, as did other prophets.
The Prophet and the believers are reminded that God is the source of all provisions and benefits, even when they were under severe constraints and deprivation.
Stories of various prophets—Noah, Abraham, Lot, Hud, Salih, Shuaib, Moses—are in this chapter, giving the Prophet and his followers a glimpse of what life was like for those, while also reminding the deniers that their accountability to God is ever near.
Good deeds remove bad deeds—so no one should despair but hope to do good at any point in their life, till death.
God never destroys a town if the inhabitants are faithful, good, and humble.
In the name of Allah, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Alif Lam Ra!
A book (divine revelation—this Qur’an) that contains guidance based on knowledge and wisdom, facilitates its own meaning and essence—gifted by the One (God) Who is Wise and Aware! So, you should worship and serve none but Allah.
(Say O Prophet): “I am coming to you from God to warn but also to give good news. You should ask for forgiveness and align yourself with God. God will provide you with goodness for your appointed term (in this life) and bestow His grace to whomever is well deserving (in this life and in the afterlife). But if you do not align, then I am afraid for you of its serious consequence on an awesome day (which is sure to come). To God is your ultimate return, and His reign encompasses everything and everyone.”
Now there are those who cover up what is in their hearts (i.e., lies) to conceal (their dislike) from him (the Prophet), but God knows what is in their hearts just as He knows when they cover themselves with garments as to what they conceal and what remains exposed. God is always in the know about the condition of their hearts.
There is no living being on this planet except that its sustenance is with God. He knows their residences and their accomplishments—all are documented in full detail. (v. 1-6)
It is God Who created the universe and the earth in six stages. The Throne of His Magnificent presence (a’rshuhu) rests on water that He might reveal (through the gifts of life and trials) which of you are best in conduct. When you (Prophet) assert: “You will be resurrected after death,” those who are in denial say: “This is delusional.” If We (God) were to delay the consequences (of their persistent denials) for a stated period, they will certainly mock: “What is the cause of such delay?” But when the actual day (of reckoning) falls on them, they will be unable to avert it, and their mockery will overtake them.
When We (God) allow people to taste Our Mercy and then withdraw it (as a trial), they lose hope and become ungrateful, whereas if We allow them to taste Our grace after an affliction, they say: “Now we cannot be touched by afflictions anymore,” being full of vanities and pride. But not those who exercise patience and persist in doing good. For them, there is forgiveness and grand compensation! (v. 7-11)
Perhaps you (Prophet) may be inclined to forgo a part of the revelations, or your heart feels distressed due to what the deniers say: “Why have you not been given treasure from God or why has not an angel come down with you?” (They fail to understand that) you are only a warner, and it is Allah Who oversees all affairs. Likewise, they say: “He (Prophet) himself had manufactured this.” Tell them: “If you are speaking the truth, then bring ten forged chapters similar to what is in this (Qur’an) and seek help from anyone other than Allah.” If they fail to respond, then you should know that this has been revealed by Allah with knowledge and that there is no deity worthy of worship but God. Will you then submit and be a Muslim?
Those who strive for this world’s life with its possessions and vanities, We (God) give them their dues without suffering any losses, but in the hereafter, they will have nothing left but suffering and deprivation (Fire), because all of their works in this life will bear no fruits, and all their possession and activities will amount to pure vanities and be rendered useless! (v. 12-16)
How about he (the Prophet) who has with him the active guidance from his Sustainer God and a witness from Him (angel Gabriel) who narrates this guidance like the previous Book of Moses, a guide and a source of mercy? They all believe as such. Anyone from any group who denies such guidance, evil (fire) is their promised outcome. So, let there be no doubt about it. It is the truth from your Sustainer God, but most people are in denial.
Who could be more wrong than the one who invents a lie against God? When they will be made to come before their Sustainer God, there will be witnesses who will say: “These are the ones who lied regarding their Sustainer God.” Now God’s displeasure is with such evil individuals, who prevent (and discourage) people from seeking the truth (pathway to God) and attempt to distort such guidance. It is they who deny the life after death.
They will neither escape (God or the effect of their conduct) during their earthly life, nor will they find a guardian or protector besides Allah (in the life to come). Their evil consequences will doubly affect them since they were averse to listening (seeking guidance) and failed to see (used intellect and reasoning). They have lost their souls, and all their lies and conjectures have disappeared from them. They will suffer true loss in the Hereafter.
(On the other hand) those who attain faith, do good, and show humility to God (and to fellow beings) are the real owners of paradise where they will reside. The analogy between the two groups is that one group is blind and deaf, whereas the other group sees and hears well. Can they be equal? How come you are not mindful? (v. 17-24)
God sent Noah to his community, (he said to them): “I am simply a warner (and conveyor) that none be worshiped except Allah, and I am concerned about your suffering (for your denials and evils) on the day of grave consequence.” But the leaders of his community, who were in denial, said:” We consider you none but a mortal like us and those who follow you, we see them as the least significant among us. Also, we do not find any reason to consider you superior to us; rather, we think you are a liar.”
Noah replied: “O my people, how can you not see that I have been inspired by my Sustainer God, and He has blessed me with His grace, to which you wish to remain unmindful. We cannot force you to accept something that you continue to show disdain for. O my people, I am not seeking any profit from you; rather, my compensation is from Allah alone. People who have believed with me will not be driven away from me, not by me, while they look forward to meeting their Sustainer God. But I do find you deep in ignorance and without any mindfulness.”
(He continued): “O my people, who will prove my innocence to God if I drive them (believers) away. Do you not think rationally? I also do not claim to have treasure from Allah, nor do I know what remains unseen (from you and me), nor do I say that I am an angel. I also cannot claim that those whom you consider to be insignificant in your estimation will not be favored by Allah. Only Allah knows what is in their minds and souls, and I am not the one to misjudge.”
The leaders replied: “O Noah, you are in dispute with us and have prolonged this disagreement; we would rather that you bring out the consequence that you speak of against us, if you speak the truth.” Noah replied: “It is only Allah Who decides such matters, and when it does come about, you cannot escape. My advice will not profit you even as I continue to give good guidance if Allah deems otherwise (due to your persistent denial and evils). He is your Sustainer God, and you will be made to come back to Him.”
Do they still say:” He (the Prophet) has invented this (Qur’an)?” Say to them: “If I did so, then I will account for this myself, and I am free from all of your denials and evils.” (v. 25-35)
It was revealed to Noah: “None of your community, except those who are believers already, will accept faith. Therefore, do not feel distressed but go ahead and start the construction of the Ark under Our (God’s) protection and supervision and do not make any petition on behalf of those who wronged themselves. They will all be drowned.”
He (Noah and his followers) began the construction of the Ark. Whenever the leaders of his community passed by, they would make fun of him. He said to them: “If you laugh at us, then we too laugh at you, in return for your unwelcome conduct. Soon you will come to know (and see)—the consequence (of your denial and misconduct) which will bring disgrace (in this life) and will have similar but permanent consequences (in the life to come).
Finally, Our (God’s) command was executed, and water gushed forth from the valley (from all directions). We instructed: “Take on board all (your possessions), pairs (of domesticated animals), your family members, except those who have already proven to be unworthy, and all those who believed (with you).” But there were only a few who believed him. Noah said to all: “Come on board. We entrust its sailing and its anchoring to the will of Allah1. Indeed, my Sustainer God is full of Forgiveness and Mercy!” (v. 36-41)
It (Ark) floated with them amid waves that were like mountains. Noah called out to his son who was not with him on the Ark: “O my son, come aboard and be not in the company of those who are in denial.” He replied: “I will climb on top of the mountain and thus be saved from the water.” Noah replied: “None is safe today from Allah’s plan except those who are enveloped in His Mercy.” Suddenly, a wave intervened between them, and he (son) was lost among those who drowned.
It was announced (command of God): “O Earth, swallow back your waters and O Sky, cease (your downpour).” The water receded, the affair was settled, and the Ark came to rest on Mt. Judi, and it was declared: “Do away with those who are guilty and unjust.”
Noah lamented to God: “O my Sustainer, my son is of my family. Your promise (to save my family) is true, and You are the Best among those who judge.” God replied: “He (your son) is not of your family as his conduct and activities were anything but good. Therefore, do not ask of Me regarding matters that you are unaware of. I caution you that you do not behave in manners like those who are misguided.”
Noah implored: “I seek Your protection from asking of You to intervene in matters that I am not fully aware of. Unless You forgive me and shower Your grace on me, I will become of those who are lost.” It was said, “O Noah, disembark in peace from Us and with blessing on you and on future generations that will evolve from those who are with you.” (Be cognizant) that We (God) provide for nations to prosper and (for some) We bring out consequences that are called for (due to their own misconduct).
These are narratives (stories and lessons) of the past, yet unknown that We make known to you (Prophet)—neither you nor your people knew these people before this (revelation). Therefore, be patient and know that the future belongs to those who are responsible and mindful. (v. 42-49)
And to the community of ‘Ad, We sent a brother of theirs, Hud, who said: “O my people, worship and serve Allah alone; you have no deity except Him. You are but fabricators (in conjuring deities)! O my people, I seek no gains from you. My reward is from God alone, Who created me. Do you not comprehend? O my people, ask forgiveness from your Sustainer God and then align with Him. He will shower His blessings in abundance and increase your strength; therefore, do not turn back as people practicing evil.”
They (his community) said: “O Hud, you have brought us no arguments to convince us. We are not going to abandon our gods for the sake of what you say. We do not believe you. We have nothing more to say than that our gods have touched you with evils.” Hud replied: “I call upon Allah to witness (what you say), and you too are witness to the fact that I am innocent of what you associate (as divine) with God, and besides Him. Therefore, make your plan against me and give no leeway. I put my trust and reliance on Allah, my Sustainer, and your Sustainer. There is no living creature that is not in His control, and my Sustainer God leads to the right way. But if you ignore me, then be aware that I have delivered to you what I have been sent for, and my Sustainer God will replace you with another community. You can do God no harm. God protects and preserves all things (as He sees fit).”
When it was time to execute Our (God’s) command, We spared Hud and those who believed with him through Our Mercy and We delivered them from severe consequences (that came to his community). Such was the condition of ‘Ad. They denied the message from their Sustainer God and refused to follow God’s messengers; instead, they did the bidding of those who were tyrants and defiant. So, they were overwhelmed with the negative consequences in this world and (a similar fate awaits them) on the Day of Resurrection. The tribe of ‘Ad certainly denied the truth about God (and goodness) and they were done away with (as a result), ‘Ad, the community of Hud. (v. 50-60)
To the tribe of Thamud was their brother, Salih. He said: “O my people, worship and serve Allah, besides Whom you have no other deities. God brought you forth from this earth and enables you to live on it (and from it). Therefore, ask for God’s forgiveness and align with God. My Sustainer God is ever ready to respond (to anyone who turns to Him).” They (his community) replied: “Salih, you were the center of our hope (to be a leader among us) before your announcements. Are you telling us that we should not worship whom our forefathers had worshipped before? We are in great doubt about matters that you expound to us.”
Salih replied: “Do you not see that I have been given guidance and evidence from my Sustainer God, and He has graced me with His blessings? How can I then turn away and misalign with Allah? Who will help me then? (If I were to listen to you) then you will add nothing but my failures and losses! O my people, Allah gives you this she-camel to test you; let her roam and feed on God’s earth and let not any evil touch her from you; otherwise, you should be prepared for speedy retribution.”
But they (eventually) hamstrung the camel. So, he announced to them: “Only for three more days you will enjoy living; this is a judgment that will not fail to execute.” When Our (God’s) commandment came to be executed, We saved by Our grace Salih and the believers with him from the disgrace of that day (event). Indeed, your Sustainer God is Powerful and Majestic! A (deafening) cry overtook those who did evil, and they were reduced to lifeless bodies in their own houses, as if they had never lived in them. The community of Thamud indeed disbelieved and was done away with! (v. 61-68)
Our messengers certainly came to Abraham with good news and greeted him—Peace (salam), to which Abraham responded likewise—Peace! He made no delay in getting a roasted calf (for them), but when he saw that they were not reaching for the food, he did not know what to make of them and became fearful. They assured him: “Fear not. We are on our way to the community of Lot.” His wife (Sarah) was standing nearby, and she wondered (why they came by). So, We gave her the news of Isaac (Ishaq) and, after Isaac, (his son) Jacob (Yaqub).
She said: “Oh my! Is it possible that I can bear a son when I am an old lady, and this husband of mine is also an old man?” They (angels) responded: “Are you wondering at Allah’s will and command while Mercy of Allah and His blessings are on you and your household. God is Ever Praiseworthy, Majestic!”
Once Abraham recovered from his (initial) fear and was assured with the good news, he earnestly started to plead with Us for the people of Lot, as he is always full of clemency, soft-hearted, and constantly turning to God. (v. 69-75)
(Angels said): O Abraham, please stop pleading (for their case). This is a decision from your Sustainer God that has already been made, that the negative consequence (punishment) will come, and it cannot be avoided. Our messengers then traveled to Lot, who became very concerned (about their safety) as he was not in a position to protect them. So, he lamented: “This will be a dreadful day!”
His people rushed towards him, and they were used to doing evil in society. Lot tried to contain them: “O my people, there are women2—they are more appropriate for you; You should protect yourself regarding Allah (His guidance) and do not dishonor me with respect to my visitors. Is there not anyone among you who acts properly and righteously?” They said: “You know that we express no claims for your daughters, and you know well what we are here for.” Lot grieved: “I wish I had the ability to repel you; rather, I will seek refuge in a stronger support (God).”
They (angels) said: “Lot, we are messengers from your Sustainer God, and (rest assured), these people will not be able to do any harm to you (anymore). Depart with your people (family and followers) and travel during the night. Do not let anyone turn back, but your wife will, since she will be subjected to the same consequence as the rest of your people. Morning is the designated time and isn’t morning already appearing?”
As Our decision was executed, We turned the city upside down and sent torrents of stones over them, as decreed, one event after another. Designated as a marker by your Sustainer God, and it is not too far from those who do evils. (v. 76-83)
To the tribe of Midian, We sent their brother, Shuaib. He said: “O my people, worship and serve Allah, besides Whom there are no other gods. Be just and equitable in your dealings and transactions with people. I see that you are in prosperity now (proud and unmindful), but I fear for you the consequence of your indulgence on a dreadful day.”
“O my people, give what is due to people, measure and weigh with equity, do not deprive people of what is rightfully theirs, and do not spread corruption in the land through mischief and injustice. What Allah gives you and keeps for you is better (rather than hoarding and corruption), if you are a believer. I am not a guardian over you.”
They said: “Shuaib, does your worship (of God) and your righteousness force you to tell us that we should renege our practices of worship that our forefathers worshipped, or that we should not do whatever we please with our wealth, possession, and power? Are you the only one full of forbearance and right guidance?”
He replied: “O my people, do you not comprehend that I have clear guidance from my Sustainer God, and He has given me adequate provisions? What I am forbidding is not to merely oppose your way of life but to reform you and your society, to the best of my ability. It is with Allah that I rest the outcome of my effort. In God I trust, and to God I turn (for support and guidance). (v. 84-88)
(Shuaib continued his conversation): “O my people, do not make your opposition to me push you to do evils and thereby face the same consequences that visited the people of Noah, the people of Hud, and the people of Salih. The people of Lot are not too far from where you are. Ask for forgiveness from your Sustainer God and turn to Him in repentance. My Sustainer God is full of Mercy and Love!”
(Leaders of his) community responded: “Shuaib, we do not understand (or care to understand) much of what you say. We find you weaker among ourselves. It is only because of your clan that we have not stoned you (to death) yet, and you have very little power against us.” Shuaib replied: “O my people, how do you hold my clan more in awe than Allah? And regarding God, you cast Him aside and become utterly unmindful, whereas God takes accounts of all that you do. O my people, do whatever you can (against me), according to your ability, and I too am exerting myself (to the best of my ability). You will come to know, soon enough, who faces the evil consequences of his conduct that will disgrace him and prove him to be a liar. You wait and watch, and I do the same with you.”
As the time to carry out Our (God’s) decision came, We saved Shuaib and his followers with mercy from Us, while a loud bang overtook those who did evils such that they were lifeless bodies in their own homes, as if they had never lived in them. The people of Midian perished, and so did the people of Thamud! (v. 89-95)
We sent Moses with Our guidance and authority, fully manifest, to Pharaoh and his advisers, but they all chose to follow Pharaoh’s rule and command, though his rule was not based on good guidance. Pharaoh will lead his people on the Day of Resurrection and finally to its evil consequence (fire), and it will be an evil destiny to which they will find themselves. They were rejected (by God) in this (life) and a similar fate on the Day of Resurrection; it is an evil gift they have earned!
These are the stories and lessons learned from towns that We narrate to you—some of them are still standing (and visible to you) while others have disappeared (like a field freshly mowed). We did no injustice to them, but they themselves were unjust. The gods they sought and worshipped besides Allah were of no help when divine command overtook them. Their false belief added nothing but failure and ruins. Such is the accountability with your Sustainer God when He calls people to account who act corruptly and unjustly. His call to take accounts is consequential and firm.
There are lessons in such narratives for those who comprehend the seriousness of the afterlife; it will be a day (event) when people will be brought together; an event to witness! We do not delay but let it reach its term already prescribed. When the event unfolds, no soul can speak except with God’s permission; some will be joyous, while others will be in despair. (v. 96-105)
As for those who are in despair (because of disbelief and evil), they will find themselves engulfed in what they were warned of (fire), moaning and groaning, unable to escape as long as the heavens and the earth will endure, unless your Sustainer God wills otherwise. Indeed, your Sustainer God is free to do what He intends. As for those who are happy (because of faith and good work), they will find themselves in paradise, residing in it, as long as the heavens and the earth will endure, unless your Sustainer God wills otherwise; a gift, though, never to be exhausted.
Therefore, do not remain in doubt about what they worship—they worship (without thoughts or understanding) what their forefathers worshipped. We will compensate them to the fullest measure, undiminished. (v. 106-109)
We gave Moses the book of revelation (the Torah), but they disagreed regarding its guidance. It is only because your Sustainer God had already provided a framework (decree) to deal with such affairs that their disagreement has not been dealt with (right away). They are in deep divide and doubt about the guidance (before and now). Your Sustainer God will certainly compensate them for their beliefs and conduct. He is fully aware of what they do.
You (Prophet) should continue to follow the guidance that your Sustainer God had asked you to follow, and those who are with you and who have aligned themselves with God should do the same. God sees all that you do. Do not associate with those who do wrong and act unjustly, lest their evil consequences touch you as well. You have no protectors other than Allah, and (if you incline to evil) you cannot be helped.
Be mindful of your worship (of God) at the two ends of the day (Fajr and Maghrib) and the first hour of the night (Isha). Good deeds always remove the effect of evil deeds. This is something you need to pay attention to if you wish to be mindful. Also, be patient in that God does not fail to reward those who are good people. (v. 110-115)
Why is it that in the generations before you, there were not people who developed good understanding (of the realities of life) and actively acted against evils and corruption on the earth, except a few whom We delivered (in the end)? Those who pursued evil were more invested in the pleasure of this life and (in that process) proved their guilt. But your Sustainer God would never destroy a town (or its people) unjustly while they pursued goodness (muslehun).
If your Sustainer God had willed, He would have converged all people to a single, like-minded community, but people never ceased to differ among themselves, except those (who sought and) received God’s grace. This is the merit for creating them (in the first place), and God’s word will come to fruition: “I will make them face the consequence (fill hell), any and all from among jins (spirits) and human beings, (for failing to unite and do good).”
We bring these narratives of the (previous) messengers (and communities) to you to strengthen your hearts. In this, there is truth, words of caution, and a reminder for you and the believers. Say to those who deny faith (and goodness): “Act according to your ability and plan, and we will do the same. You should wait and we wait with you as well.”
All that is unseen (by humans to date and future events yet to unfold) in the universe and on this earth is in the purview of Allah alone, and all matters return to God for their eventual resolution. So, you should worship and serve God alone and put your trust in Him alone; your Sustainer God is never indifferent to or unaware of your actions and conduct. (v. 116-123)
1This has become a standard supplication whenever Muslims travels by ship or plane, a tradition that dates back to Prophet Noah
2The actual phrase used is “here are my daughters” but the general meaning is daughters (women) of the community, as prophets are considered fathers to their communities
